Female Interims Gain Substantial Share

Female Interims Gain Substantial Share

Women currently account for a third (32%) of interim executives. Thats according to the Interim Management Associations (IMA) latest Ipsos MORI report, which indicates that 2009 has seen a 10% increase in female interim managers from the end of last year continuing an upward trend.

A year ago, women accounted for only a quarter of interim managers, but subsequent gains saw this increase by 16% across 2008. Although interim management has traditionally been male-dominated, it would appear that more flexible working patterns, enhanced professional representation and accreditation through initiatives such as the IMA Institute, are attracting talented candidates from more varied backgrounds.

Interim management offers a host of opportunities across both the public and private sector, explains Paul Botting, IMA Chairman. As more professionals both men and women look to actively diversify their skill sets, interim is fast becoming increasingly attractive, and owing to the rising number of opportunities on offer, ultimately more rewarding as a long-term career choice.

Although private sector appointments continue to command the lions share of interim roles, interims are still looking for a healthy mix of placements. The final quarter of 2008 saw the smallest ever gap between public and private interim assignments (a 45/55 split, in favour of the private sector). However, the first part of 2009 has seen the private sector reclaim a small margin now accounting for 57% of assignments. Banking & Finance remains the top requested industry, representing a quarter of sector assignments. Despite a marginal drop in assignments, the public sector remains strong with Local Government now accounting for 26% of roles.

The IMA is an organisation made up of 32 interim management providers. The organisation looks after the varying needs of its members within this area of recruitment and continues to raise the profile of interim management as a career choice in its own right. Ipsos MORI studies have formed an integral part of the IMAs analysis and ownership of the market since 2006.